What causes the intermittent cooling of the CRV air conditioner?

[McCaroline]

Here are the reasons why the CRV air conditioner sometimes cools and sometimes doesn't: 1. Insufficient refrigerant: When there is not enough refrigerant in the car's air conditioning pipes, the pressure in the pipes decreases, and the amount of heat removed also diminishes. This gives the impression that the air conditioner is not blowing cold air. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check the refrigerant pressure during routine maintenance to avoid leaks or insufficient pressure. 2. Dirty condenser: Cleaning the radiator and condenser is primarily for heat dissipation. In spring, willow catkins or dust from smog can accumulate on the condenser, leading to engine overheating or poor air conditioning performance. 3. Loose air conditioner compressor belt: Due to aging of the compressor belt, the compressor may slip during operation, reducing efficiency, lowering the rotation speed, and impairing the proper circulation of refrigerant. In this case, the compressor belt should be tightened. If the belt is severely aged, it is advisable to replace it at a professional repair shop. 4. Air in the air conditioning pipes: If air enters the car's air conditioning system during operation, it will disrupt the refrigerant circulation, significantly reducing the cooling effect. This issue mainly arises when air is not completely evacuated during maintenance procedures.

[DeAlexander]

I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered several instances where the air conditioning would cool intermittently. This is usually caused by insufficient refrigerant or leaks in the system. When the refrigerant level is low, the pressure becomes unstable, causing the compressor to cycle on and off. It could also be an issue with the compressor itself, such as a worn clutch, loose electrical connections, or abnormal fan operation. The most annoying situation is when the AC suddenly stops cooling during a long drive, making the car stuffy and affecting driving concentration. I recommend checking the refrigerant level and inspecting the pipes for leaks first. Take it to a repair shop for professional testing—don't try to fix it yourself to avoid damaging the car. Parking in the shade can reduce the load on the AC and extend its lifespan.